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The Laws of Love #5

The Evie Effect

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It’s not every day that you get knocked off your moped by a rockstar.

When avant-garde artist Evie Winters finds herself contracted to do a sculpture of rock star, Byron Logan, she almost refuses. After all their first meeting was hardly a slanging match in a London street after his limo ran her off the road. Byron clearly has issues, but Evie desperately needs the money. And then there’s the minor complication of their chemistry. Despite his outrageous behaviour, Evie finds the wolfishly attractive Byron keeps hitting her hot buttons.

Byron isn’t indifferent to Evie either. She may be a pink-haired she-devil, but she happens to be a gorgeous one. And she’s not afraid to stand up to his temper tantrums. With his life in chaos and his mood swings out of control, Byron soon finds that being around Evie makes him feel a whole lot better than the pills his psychiatrist keeps doling out.

Thrown together to work on the project in Byron’s stately home hideout in Cornwall, sparks fly as they continually rub each other up the wrong way. But as they spend more time together, something Byron and Evie soon find out that what draws them together goes way deeper than physical attraction.

Because when you really get to know someone, there’s always a chance that hate will turn to love...

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2022

10 people are currently reading
204 people want to read

About the author

Davina Stone

15 books104 followers
Davina Stone writes romances about flawed but lovable characters who tend to get it horribly wrong before they finally get it right. They also kiss a fair bit on the way to happily ever after. She counts herself as an Anglo-Aussie, having lived exactly half her life in both countries.

When not writing she spends her time chasing kangaroos off her veggie patch, dodging snakes and staring down the odd crocodile. But despite her wild adventures, in her heart she still believes that a nice cup of tea will fix most problems and that true love conquers all.

Davina has been published in five Romance Writers of Australia short story anthologies. Her first novel, The Alice Equation, the first in the Laws of Love series is published in January 2021.


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5 stars
46 (30%)
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66 (43%)
3 stars
37 (24%)
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4 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
1,535 reviews21 followers
October 5, 2022
When Evie agrees to undertake several sculptures for a new project at rock star Byron's home, she has no idea what she is getting into. His mood swings and lack of support for her project initially make her question decision but as the two spend time together, it seems there's a bit of a spark.

Though I own a few other books in this series, this is the first one I've actually read. And based on that alone, I now need to prioritize the others! This was such a feel good romance but not in a fluffy way. There were deeper topics addressed throughout which really made the story. I loved the way both Evie and Byron fought for their love by healing on their own. Initially I wasn't a huge Byron fan but the oaf grew on me and I was all for their union midway onwards. I'm so happy I've finally read a book by Davina Stone. She has been on my tbr for the longest time. If you're a romance lover, check her books out.
Profile Image for Wicked Fox ✨️.
450 reviews154 followers
September 13, 2022
Evie and Byron's banter definitely cracked me up in this book. I love hate to love relationships and the trope was done in an excellent manner in this case.

As infuriating as Byron was at the beginning, he grew in this story. As did Evie. They were meant for one another, with their past experiences about what fame did to them and moved past it to be better versions of themselves. I highly recommend this novel!
Profile Image for Davina Stone.
Author 15 books104 followers
Read
October 10, 2022
I've always had a hankering to write a rock-star romance. So when pink-haired sculptress, Evie Winters presented herself in The Felicity Theory, I knew I had to match her to someone extra special. Enter Byron Logan, a rock star with an ego bigger than the Titanic and a truck-load of issues. And while sparks fly from the get-go, these two soon prove they are a match made in heaven. I had so much fun writing Evie and Byron's love story, set in my homeland, England. I hope you enjoy the roller coaster ride, banter and of course, you guessed it, steamy moments galore in The Evie Effect!
Profile Image for Aisha Rowbottom-Isaacs.
59 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2022
This was a fun story. It has all the charm of a light romance filled with just enough witty banter, curse words and smidge of sensational sex scenes but runs deep with it's complex characters and their mental health problems. I loved the spotlight on mental health and all its facets. How it isn't as black and white as physical wounds but should be treated as similar, maybe even more delicately. It drew on healing and triggers and how it wasn't always a quick fix, diagnosis or not, and even if you did heal for a moment, there’d always be room for more growth and more healing.

It was a fun story about a mercurial rock star and a spunky artist that both turned out to be big softies who were brought together by sheer chance. Their complexities and growth added to the depth of the story and gave it substance. I'd definitely recommend this one.
Profile Image for Bex.
316 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2022
This book packed a punch! The chemistry between Evie and Bryon absolutely sizzled off the page! I enjoyed the relationship banter and the comedy comments between them both. I also thought Davina discussed the themes of mental health with sensitivity. The characters both had demons that they were trying to fight and their journey showed a lot of growth throughout the story. There were sad moments and funny moments throughout the book and it was a real page turner that I blasted through! Thanks Davina you have done it again!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tanya Nellestein.
Author 47 books86 followers
October 12, 2022
fantastic!

I love this series and I love rock stars! The perfect combination. Please tell me Felix gets his own story… I do love a Viking 😍
Profile Image for Maddy Matos.
956 reviews9 followers
August 27, 2022
Evie met Byron under a very inauspicious way, his driver hit her moped. He was rude, mean and downright nasty to her. But the days that followed she thought of Byron often. Meanwhile Byron has lost his mojo and hasn’t written any music in over a year. Something traumatic happened to him and he hasn’t been well. He’s had trauma in his life and the meds he’s on aren’t working. The only time he’s felt alive is when he’s arguing with Evie. I wanted to hate his character but I couldn’t and neither could Evie. I love the slow transition from hate, to friends, and to love. Their chemistry is off the charts. When they kiss it was hot and when they made love, thought my Kindle was going to explode. Evie and Byron have had a lifetime of hurt but together they are a force to be reckoned with. Loved this story and the ending was delicious. I’m giving this book five stars and highly recommending it.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,858 reviews59 followers
October 10, 2022
This started off with a terrific “meet angry” or maybe a “meet injured,” but definitely not a meet cute!

Evie and Byron do not like each other on sight. They both make a lot of assumptions about each other and it takes the close proximity of working together to start to understand each other.

This is romcom with a wicked sense of humor, but a lot of emotional depth to it as well. Evie and Byron have a lot of personal trauma disguised under their carefree personas. I love how they bond over dress up parties, witty banter and general silliness - something they both need in their lives.

These two are just generally meant for each other and their bond goes way beyond their working relationship. The soulmates have steam! Love that these two very imperfect characters are perfect for each other.

Great addition to this wonderful series.



Profile Image for Kims.reading.nook.
466 reviews17 followers
August 3, 2023
What can I say... Evie may be my favourite FMC of the series thus far! I love her spunky attitude, body confidence and the unconditional love she built with room mates Felicity (FMC for book 4) and Felix (MMC for book 6). Their friendship was something special to read and I'm so glad they each have been given the spotlight.

Evie & Byron are two like souls who have both struggled in their lives and this is discussed openly. It is one of my favourite aspects of the series, that each book delves into ones physical and mental health and represents this honestly. This books topics were self harm, depression, anxiety, an unexplained mental health episode, rehabilitation, sudden loss and grief. I really appreciated how these were shared and wish more books were this open!

The passion and 🔥 between these two was amazing and the fact that they were in their own little bubble away from the world gave them permission to be free. For a rock star and an artist, their playful energy when together was electric.

I have loved this series & highly recommend it!!
Profile Image for Lisa Benison.
586 reviews16 followers
October 5, 2022
Witty Dialog when Sculptress and Rock Star Crash into "Insta-Hate"

This book was a lot of heat, fun and laughs but also takes on serious subjects of mental health and recovery in a sensitive way. I loved how Evie and Logan were "thrown together" but also very physically attracted (sparks were flying!) and eventually were able to work together, get to know each other and open up about their pasts and help each other heal. They were both engaging and well written characters, although I have to admit I wasn't crazy about Logan at first - like Evie I warmed up to him the more I got to know "the real him". The background characters were also wonderful and added to the story - especially Felix and Monty - I am hoping to see more of them in future books. The book moves quickly with different settings and subplots and I could not put it down. It is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone.

I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Patricia.
289 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2022
I was so happy to read the story about the pink-haired friend of Felicity from The Felicity Theory! Evie is a sculptress and takes on a gig to create some pieces for an installation at a rock star's country home. This is a fun open-door romance about two people who have been hurt by fame in different ways. They find out that although they drive each other crazy, they understand each other more than many others do. The banter between Evie and Byron is half the fun, and it has the reader rooting for them as individuals as well as a couple. I gratefully received this as an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Frances Dall'Alba.
Author 42 books31 followers
January 22, 2023
Steamy, emotional and a rollercoaster ride. You expect that they're going to make it in the end, but Davina Stone makes it hard for Evie and Byron every step of the way. If only the chemistry would die and wither away. It would certainly make it a hell of a lot easier for Evie and Byron to go their separate ways. But it ramps up instead and keeps you hoping. There's a lot of hurdles for Evie and Byron to overcome. No one ever said it was going to be easy, but in Davina's usual style, she carries it off with aplomb. Well done Davina. Another great addition to the Laws of Love series.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,450 reviews13 followers
October 10, 2022
The story
Evie is a sculptor living in London, with pink hair and a larger than life attitude. Byron is a rock star having problems. When they meet by accident (literally), he is pretty rude to her and she doesn’t think much of him. But then their paths cross again and again, and soon they are forced to co-operate with each other. And do the sparks fly!

My thoughts
This is one story in this series set in London and Cornwall, with hints of an Australian experience creeping into the story. I loved the crazy vibe between Evie and Byron and how many unusual traits they had in common. I love how Evie is not afraid of Byron’s grumpiness or his wild fancies, and how they play to each other’s creative strengths. I think you can easily read this story as a standalone too. It’s a goodie! 💝

I read an eARC copy courtesy of Booksirens and the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Profile Image for Emily.
126 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2023
Another brilliant and more-ish book from Davina Stone! As usual, it was fun and sexy, while also discussing deeper topics along the way.

Looking forward to getting to know Felix next!
Profile Image for Erica.
Author 3 books16 followers
September 20, 2022
I loved Davina Stone's previous novel so much that I downloaded this one without looking at the plot summary. I was hoping for offbeat characters and banter and a bit of steam, and I wasn't disappointed.

The male lead is a (fictional) rock star, which isn't my favorite thing in a romance novel. But Byron quickly overcame my reservations; his character is well-developed and sympathetic and fun to read. Unfortunately, I found Evie less appealing. She's meant to be spiky and difficult and defensive, which is all well and good, but as a reader I wanted to get inside her shell a bit more.

This is the fifth novel in a loosely connected series, but it's great as a standalone. And while I wasn't Evie's biggest fan, I still want to read all the other books in the series.

[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
Profile Image for Em.
234 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2022
I was excited to read another book in this series. It didn’t land as well as the others for me, unfortunately. I just didn’t feel the same connection to these characters or to the plot. It was a well planned our book with rich character development and a creative plot but something just didn’t latch for me this time. I did enjoy how mental health was represented in a person centered and positive way. I love Davina Stone and this will not change how excited I’ll be for her next books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sarah.
407 reviews13 followers
August 28, 2022
Evie and Byron don't have a meet-cute; it's more of a meet-crash. Despite that highly inauspicious beginning, these two have a lot in common: mental illness arising from their exposure to celebrity lifestyles, family problems and other things which come to light during the course of the book. Evie is a delight from the start, Byron less so, but his character becomes more understandable and sympathetic as more of his story is revealed. The way the two of them go from extreme animosity to toleration to like to love is very well paced, and their chemistry is off the scale. I also liked the way the plot as a whole is resolved - realistically, with not absolutely everything working out perfectly and the characters learning to have a certain level of acceptance about things beyond their control. Ultimately this is a story about strength of mind, working through adversity and knowing when a risk is worth taking, and that is all done very effectively indeed.

Thanks to BookSirens for the advance copy. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
343 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2022
BookTok is sleeping on Davina Stone. I've not heard of this author before and obviously not read any of her prior work but really enjoyed The Evie Effect.

This book was a solid contemporary/rom-com and a fantastic weekend read. I've read a lot of other authors that fly across social media and usually don't care for their books. I think this could stand against the hype of those authors.

This book has some triggers for mental health but I found the portrayal realistic but not heavy. There is talk of self harm. I've never personally been in that situation but I appreciated how the author approached recovery and healing from these obstacles.

Overall, I don't have any criticism. I think the length of the book was appropriate. The conflict between the FMC and the MMC was good and the relationship obstacles fit within the story. The background plot felt fresh (admittedly I've never read any other rockstar romances). I also liked the secondary characters. I don't know if we'll see Monty again but I loved him. I also felt that it was an appropriate amount of spice (although I always want more, sorry/not sorry). I'll definitely be checking out other books from this author in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
525 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2023
Evie and Byron both have experience being in the public eye, and they both have had their hoops to jump through. By fate, they found each other and managed to heal some of their wounds together.

Evie is a world-renowned artist. She finds herself without a commission and is hesitant to take a job working for the guy who almost ran her over in his car.

Byron had a tragic misstep in his rock star career and finds himself, at the behest of his manager, having to open his house (and sanctuary) as a theme park to recoup some of his income. Little does he know that Evie would play a pivotal role in this scheme.

The characters are raw and honest, both in their successes and failures, and the setting of Cornwall was described as if the reader was there. I was engrossed in their tales and, when they came to a crossroads, it was heartbreaking.

I will definitely be reading the rest of this series and more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Trigger warnings: Mental health issues, familial dysfunction
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, close proximity, found family, HEA
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,140 reviews27 followers
October 12, 2022
loved the pathos, but just an okay romance

Evie & Byron’s story has some compelling, heavy themes surrounding mental illness/breakdown. And while there is a love story, it’s secondary to Byron/Logan’s journey through the fog of trying to deal with crippling anxiety and depression. Evie/Evangelina’s past echoes some of his struggle, therefore they’re drawn together. My criticisms are that it’s not really clear why they click on a level besides the physical, the breakup/leaving was pretty cowardly IMO for such a purported strong person, and the resolution between Evie and her mother was a major head-scratcher. I feel as though the author left out a significant portion of what happened to Evie/Evangelina as a child on a reality TV series. The author does a much better job with Byron/Logan’s experience.
Profile Image for Lisa.
118 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2022
Thank you to BookSirens for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of "The Evie Effect", written by Davina Stone.

Overall, I rated this novel a 4/5 stars!

The book is filled with witty and humorous banter between Evie, who is a pink-haired sculptor) and Byron, who is a rock star. Things immediately get off to a bad start and turn into insta-hate between these two main characters when Byron's driver hits Evie while she is on her moped. I enjoyed watching these characters' personalities grow as time went on throughout the book.

Just be sure to search up trigger warnings before reading this novel, because there is talk of self-harm, though I do feel that the representation was dealt with appropriately. :)
777 reviews
October 11, 2022
The Evie affect was a sweet emotional romantic comedy.loved this enemies to lovers trope.Really enjoyed the sparks and banter between the main characters.

They were both not happy with seeing each other from their first encounter to when they meet again.

Evie thinks Byron is arrogant because he is famous and refuses to work with him.Byron thinks Evie is a stalker and is following him.

Evie agrees to work with him and as they get to know each other they start to get closer.Evie understands what Byron is going through as she has gone through the same things.

They do eventually get their happily ever after.loved the supporting characters too.Cannot wait to read more books by the author.

I recieved an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
103 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2022
Evie is a sculptor who has gone through a lot in life to find her way to happiness. Byron is a Rockstar who had a meltdown and is struggling with depression and a loss of motivation. After literally crashing into each other and getting off on the wrong foot can they find a way to work together and perhaps more? Spoiler alert: it gets steamy! This book deals with a lot of heavy mental health issues, but I think the author does a good job of dealing with it and showing how people can learn to build themselves back up. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for J.
4,136 reviews21 followers
October 7, 2022
This is book 5 in Stone's The Laws of Love series and while part of a series (I missed out of the first 3) this can be read as a standalone. This is Evie and Byron's story, and I adored these characters (artist meets rockstar). I also appreciate that while this story is a romance with its sweet/steamy and funny moments it touches on some serious issues in a good and sensitive way. I loved how these two came together and how the chemistry and spark took over. Great balance of romance and humor I loved it and I hope for more from Stone soon!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,528 reviews20 followers
October 10, 2022
Everyone comes with some type of emotional baggage. For Evie and Byron, their challenging life experiences up till now helped provide common ground to understand each other. I had to smile at the tongue in cheek banter and colourful characters/ personalities that were present throughout the novel. Yes, there was mention of serious topics, but for me it just provided background context to understand the character’s present actions and reactions. How wonderful to see, despite so many struggles, the healing, increased confidence and acceptance of others amidst a sweet HEA. Loved it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Livelyreads.
288 reviews37 followers
August 23, 2022
I can't tell how much i enjoyed reading The Evie Effect. It had great storyline, touching some very sensitive issues but without it making way too angsty. In my opinion author balanced the story phenomenally, at times it was emotional but humour, great banter and sizzling chemistry between characters balanced it out. The story is all about being strong and overcoming your demons day by day because you can never run from them.
So get ready for a laugh out loud perfect story to read this fall when you want to unwind after a crappy day!! 💜
Profile Image for Evy.
752 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2022
This was my first book by Davina and I’ve chosen it because of the title. It’s not everyday that you find your name( although written differently) in the title of a book.

I enjoyed it very much and I loved how Evie and Byron found each other through their struggles. Monty and Felix were really great side characters and I loved seeing them. Davina has a real approach for struggles and the healing process and she made the plot very realistic.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jeri.
1,776 reviews43 followers
September 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much. Evie and Byron meet cute, but as a mega popular rock singer, Byron doesn’t trust her. Evie has baggage of her own, but these two troubled people were meant to be together. Maybe. This was the fifth book in the series. I had not read any of the others and didn’t need to, to enjoy this book. Of course I am now going back to start the series at the beginning. I received this book at no charge from BookSirens and the author, but all opinions are my own.
100 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2022
It’s funny and romantic!

This book seemed featuring people who’ve been struggling with mental problem, as well as the confusions, frustration and helpless they felt. Actually, mental illness is very popular nowadays, it’s good that Davina mentioned this in this book in order to raise the awareness of the issues.

The story itself was witty and left you LOL constantly. Byron, the hero, who was utterly sweet and considerate.

I received an arc and this is my honest review.
11 reviews
December 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel. I think the way that Evie and Byron connected through past and present traumas was really well executed. I love a romance where one partner helps another partner to overcome some type of challenge in their life. I’m not such a fan of rock-star romance but it was a nice change. Overall, 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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